Some of the damage Jamaica has taken as a result of Hurricane Melissa. (Image courtesy: CNN)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

HURRICANE MELISSA

Caribbean people living abroad waiting for updates on extent of Hurricane Melissa damage

Oct 30, 2025 | 5:19 PM

KAMLOOPS — As it has moved through the Caribbean this week, Hurricane Melissa has so far killed dozens of people in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, with more fatalities expected. The federal government says Canada is ready to send relief supplies if countries request it, and it’s also prepared to help the Caribbean with recovery efforts.

For Jamaicans and others living abroad in Canada, watching the wreckage unfold has been stressful, and they’re still trying to make contact with loved ones.

Jeremy Rodney is involved with the Caribbean Society of Kamloops, and he has been watching Hurricane Melissa through news updates and online videos – all while trying to get through to his friends and family still in Jamaica, including his mother.

“I got to speak to [my mother] once,” said Rodney. “Meanwhile on the western end where the eye of the hurricane travelled, there’s basically no communication with any of those people.”

Week In Review

Week In Review: Week of February 23

23h ago

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: KSACC disappointed at Kamloops MLAs' vote to advance human rights code bill beyond first reading

Feb 28, 2026

TWO & OUT

PETERS: U.S. Olympic men's hockey team celebration was extremely political - whether players recognize it or not

Feb 27, 2026

“Not getting to talk to people, not knowing what’s happening. Yeah, you’re kind of worried.”

The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday before it spread to other countries, and the category five storm that hit is described as the worst Jamaica has seen.

“This one, they have estimates going to like, $22 billion U.S., that’s the highest I’ve heard so far,” notes Rodney. “And remember, the GDP for Jamaica last year was like $20.6 billion in US dollars. So it’s a lot.”

Cost is one factor, the impact on human life is another, and the extent of injuries and fatalities won’t be determined for some time. Rodney notes several hospitals have already been severely impacted, with roofs getting ripped off, and taking on critical damage.

“Then the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James, that has 430 beds. And I was seeing videos of the roof gone and nurses trying to work while water is coming in,” Rodney said. “People can’t move because they’re sick or elderly people, they can’t get up to run or anything.”

There are dozens of people who make up the Caribbean society in Kamloops, and at this point, they’re still trying to figure out what kind of money or supplies they can send to help out, and how to get it there.

“Like anything. Because the way things are right now, anything will help,” adds Rodney.